by Meredith Schneider | Jan 22, 2019 | albums, review
KONGOS ‘ groovy appeal is almost enigmatic. Their fun melodies and the band’s chemistry might stem from the fact that the four-piece is comprised of brothers Johnny, Jesse, Dylan, and Danny Kongos. Now based in Arizona, the band released their latest full-length – a 10-track project titled 1929, Pt. 1 – on January 18th. “Something New” speaks of things we can all relate to, whether political, music-wise (And if you are, this new album hits that spot!), or in our relationships. With a percussion-led instrumental section, “I Am Not Me” is a self-reflective song, infused with a fun beach feel, despite its melancholic lyrics. While “Stand Up” has more of an ethereal soundscape, “Pay for the Weekend” reeks of rock n’ roll.
“Wild Hearts” slows it all down quite a bit, simplifying the landscape for us and injecting every line with the deepest intention of emotion we’ve yet to be exposed to. Ever. While “Real Life” speeds the pace up a bit, “Keep Your Head” is the obvious party track of them all, working guitar licks in and around a pop-rock vibe we are 100% on board with. “Everything Must Go” goes into a very obvious U2 direction. A ballad, if you will. “When You’re Here” breaks it all down into an easy breezy soundscape – worthy of the warmest of weather – and the album is rounded out nicely with the robust, intense sounds of “4543”. Quirky enough to keep our ears perked, we’re probably going to be spinning this title for the remainder of the day.
Keep up with KONGOS here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 21, 2019 | videos, wolf tracks
Today, singer/songwriter Kiki Halliday released both the track and the accompanying visual for her single “Majesty”. Soulful, raspy vocals electrify the track, simplified acoustic guitar that sets the songstress in center stage from the first notes of the track. The video itself is comprised of varying camera angles highlighting Halliday’s relaxed live performance vibes, as she sings in a seemingly empty room. The dusty colors and soft shading set the tone for the track itself, and we’re certain this is the beginning of a long, beautiful road for Halliday.
Keep up with Kiki Halliday here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 21, 2019 | albums, review
St. Petersburg-based trio Polyenso – comprised of Brennan Taulbee, Denny Agosto, and Alexander Schultz – recently released their new EP Year of the Dog, and we’ve got some thoughts. Beginning with a swirling, ethereal energy in “Neon Mirror”, the cacophony of sound these musicians create together is poetic in its existence, only further so with the addition of vocals woven throughout with an electricity that is undeniable. “Bastard” has a bit more of an experimental feel to it, but the percussion makes us want to dance down the street, essentially turning our walk into a musical number. That’s got to say something, doesn’t it?
“Happy” has a bit of a melancholic feel to its soundscape, further perpetuated by the lyrics. While “I Go You Go” definitely has the charm of a late night dance track, to be enjoyed in a sweaty underground somewhere in Manhattan, the instrumental versions of each track take us back through a host of emotions, living through the same pattern twice over the course of one EP. We’re pretty impressed, and know you will be too!
Keep up with Polyenso here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 21, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Toronto-based electro alt-pop songstress X. ARI has done it again with edgy new track “Break Point”. With her signature robust, strong vocals, she takes on emotions we can’t all express correctly. Everyone’s breaking point is different, and we’ve all been in similar scenarios. To have it vocalized for us – and in such a vulnerable and beautiful way – is another step closure to collective healing.
“Break Point is about PTSD and it describes the moments right before I broke down late 2016,” explains X. ARI. “Having a mental health breakdown doesn’t just happen overnight. There’s a build up and a splitting point where you crack and you’re not really yourself anymore. This song describes that process and experience.”
Thank you, X. ARI.
Keep up with X. ARI here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 21, 2019 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Electro avant-pop act Strawberry Mountain might be based in New York City, but they are taking over the west coast starting this week! Join this effervescent band on an other-worldly journey at any of the dates listed below. But before you do, give their new track “Racer” a spin (or twelve!). With a blend of nostalgic space-y sounds and their matter-of-fact vocals, the track is definitely an earworm.
Upcoming Shows
January 23rd 2019 // Portland, OR // The Liquor Store
January 24th 2019 // Eugene, OR // Old Nicks Bar
January 25th 2019 // Salem, OR // The Space
January 27th 2019 // San Francisco, CA // Milk Bar
January 28th 2019 // Santa Cruz, CA // Bocci’s Cellar
January 30th 2019 // Los Angeles, CA // Harvard & Stone
January 31st 2019 // Long Beach, CA // Alex’s Bar
February 1st 2019 // San Diego, CA // Til Two Club
February 2nd 2019 // Phoenix, AZ // The Lunchbox
February 3rd 2019 // Las Vegas, NV // Bunkhouse
February 7th 2019 // El Paso, TX // Love Buzz
February 8th 2019 // Tucson, AZ // Cans Deli
Keep up with Strawberry Mountain here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 18, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
San Diego-based rock trio Exasperation – comprised of Garrett Prange, David Mead, and Steve Dale – recently released a compelling 10-track album titled Paradise. Nestled among this bed of genius is the particularly dance-worthy lead track titled “Pyre”. Starting with staccato emphasis – reminiscent of The Lumineers’ “Submarines” – we are taken on a sonic journey that brings feelings of elation, despite the name of the band. We’ve got garage rock on our brains throughout the duration of the song, imagining a scenario where we are surrounded by friends at a basement party, concrete and a feeling of edge all around. And we think you might agree. Check it out, then let us know!
Keep up with Exasperation here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 18, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
If you’re in the mood for a leisurely, inspired track in your life, we’re not going to sugarcoat it. Kid Bloom‘s new track “Sugarcoat” is exactly what the doctor ordered. Hailing from Studio City, California, the band’s fresh sound is just what we ordered for the new year, and this song could – quite possibly – be your new favorite. With luscious, full vocals and a beat that keeps your toes tapping, “Sugarcoat” is definitely our new go-to track, and Kid Bloom is one to watch.
Keep up with Kid Bloom here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 18, 2019 | albums, review
Today, California songstress Alice Wallace released her highly-anticipated 11-track full-length, a beaut titled Into The Blue. Her fourth album, it is truly an exquisite collection of songs that evoke emotions over personal anecdotes, social issues, and the beauty of our natural surroundings, among other things. It’s a culmination of what we have come to know and love of Alice Wallace over the span of her career – the softness and vulnerability that we all feel at times, coupled with undeniable strength and intensity – and we’re absolutely smitten.
When the album starts with the line “What just happened?” during the lead track “The Lonely Talking”, we realize we’re in for a wild ride. After all, who else has had an adventure that’s started with those exact words? (Exactly.) Wallace’s emotional, deep, robust vocals carry us into “Santa Ana Winds”, an old western theme to it all. “Elephants” – perhaps one of our favorites on the album – is simplified instrumentally, more melodic as it addresses some very important social stigmas and issues. “The Blue” continues at the same slower, borderline meandering pace, as Wallace croons to us of “the mystery” of “The Blue”. “Desert Rose” does nothing to pick up the pace, but “charming” describes more than just a word in the lyrics. The guitar parts are magnificent, Latin-inspired instrumentals that serve as the perfect backdrop to such an emotional and specific story. “When She Cries” presents as more high energy, singing of rain”in the City of Angels,” a phenomenon we’ve all been privy to over the past week or so.
“Echo Canyon” is another favorite, simplified so Wallace’s vocals can take center stage, the exact emotional triggers placed perfectly, even without the aid of the instrumentals. Echoing a soulfulness only Wallace could evoke, the guitar parts are absolutely inspired. While “The Same Old Song” is pretty cut-and-dry blues in a very palpable way, “Motorcycle Ride” has a soundscape you will 0% predict by the title of the track. It’s sweet, mellifluous, and leads beautifully into ballad “Top of the World”. “For Califia” is the last track featured, instrumentals that we could easily see in an episode of The O.C. The lyrics are gorgeous, and it leaves an impact that only Wallace is capable of. Perhaps she really is the Queen of California.
Keep up with Alice Wallace here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 17, 2019 | singles, wolf tracks
Up-and-coming musician Franchise has just released his first single, an upbeat cover of Alessia Cara’s “Here”. Weaving in more sound effects and including more notes boasting staccato, Franchise has found a sound that sets him apart, despite the fact that this particular track has been done before. With a jazzy, Justin Timberlake-leaning vibe, we’re super into the recreation of this work, and can’t wait to see what his catalog has to offer next!
Keep up with Franchise here.
